Onduparaka edge Ndejje

Kampala. Onduparaka’s defensive work stood out last season as they struggled for goals managing 28 in 30 league games.The caterpillars conceded 17 goals, the second best defensive record in the Uganda Premier League with Nicholas Sebwato keeping a league-high 19 clean sheets.

The goalkeeper again showed his worth with a man of the match performance as his side eliminated Ndejje University in the Pilsner Super 8 preseason tournament in Luweero on Saturday. In front of the watching Asaph Mwebaze who is expected to be officially unveiled as Onduparaka new coach today after stepping down from Maroons, Sebwato scored in the penalty shootout and saved the final penalty to secure victory.

Super saveWith the game level at 1-1 and deep into regulation time, the lanky custodian also made a stunning one-handed save to tip over Noel Nasasira’s powerful header.The striker had earlier got the leveler for Ndejje University, rifling home after Richard Ayiko’s poor clearance. Vianney Sekajugo, Onduparaka best offensive player last season also seemed to start from where stopped, tapping home Kabon Livin’s cross in the first half.

The diminutive winger also had a couple of opportunities kept out as Onduparaka dominated proceedings against the newly promoted Ndejje who also had winger Francis Onekalit sent off four persistent fouling.

Onduparaka captain Rashid Toha also missed a penalty in the second half of the game following a handball in the box. Onduparaka will now host SC Villa on Thursday in Arua in the second semifinal after KCCA plays Nyamityobora tomorrow. Villa is the only team to have beaten Onduparaka in Arua.